Thursday, November 4, 2010

Delhi's police are to build 30-feet towers in jungle surrounding President Obama's hotel to protect him from terrorist attacks during next week's visit, and also shield from an invasion by the city's most persistent threat – monkeys.

They have been asked to erect 'machan' towers for elite commandos who will use powerful searchlights and night-sight binoculars to lookout for suspicious movement and any signs of a simian invasion.

The jungle opposite the president's suite at the exclusive ITC Mauriya Hotel is part of the city's Ridge forest which is home to many of the monkeys which terrorise the capital.

Local newspapers regularly report the latest victims of the 'monkey menace' but while officials are usually reluctant to take action against them – they symbolise the Hindu monkey God Hanuman – this time they are taking no chances.